Monday, July 30, 2012

Had I lived in the forties....
My makeup and coif would be flawless
My nails would be immaculately buffed and polished
My daughters would wear bows in their hair that matched their outfit
My daughters' hair would be impeccably combed
My daughters and I would wear matching aprons (sewn by mawaah)
And my kitchen would be spotless

I'd fit right in..don't you think?

BTW...Sophie's home does have those very cabinets with red lucite handles.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

My sister and I spotted one of those hot pink "ESTATE SALE" signs as we were driving down El Camino after our early Saturday morning hike at Stanford ....just like Hansel and Gretal following bread crumbs...we followed the signs for 5 miles all the way to Mountain View. It was the second day of the sale and the house had been pretty much picked over. I was just about to leave empty handed when... I spied two boxes on the floor... filled with original sewing patterns from the 60's and 70's. They were the real deal...how do I know? The date was written on most of the patterns. Purchased over a dozen patterns. Here are a couple of my faves:

I just can't wait to sew my next "Mad Men" dress... sewn from a true honest to goodness original pattern from the mid sixties. Which one would you pick?

Monday, July 16, 2012

Wow...what a fun birthday weekend. It started by a long overdue trip to get a mani/pedi...complements of my sisters Martha and Gwen. My feet and hands thoroughly enjoyed the attention.

Some of us hopped in the car and headed up to the Sierras (Soda Springs) ..hitting some outrageous traffic which resulted in the drive lasting 6 hours instead of the normal 3 1/2 hours. The "pain" was forgotten once we arrived at this idylic cabin owned by DZ's cousin.

Some hopped in their very own private plane and arrived in an hour.

I just love the pine scent that infuses the air ..... The weather was impeccable...bright blue sunny sky with 80 degree temp.

Martha and I got up early Saturday morning (while every one else slept) and took a "stroll" around Lake Van Norden. We had the place to ourselves...not a sole in sight.
Just love the peace, beauty and serenity

We decided to stay away from the crazy crowded Lake Tahoe and instead drove a few miles on a rutty dirt road to Long Lake. Ah...it was spectacular.

We swam...

And lounged on rocks...And enjoyed the crystal cool refreshing lake.I don't know why, but being in the mountains makes you hungry. I must have brought enough food to feed an army of at least 20...Martha brought her folding table and set it up outside on the granite rock deck. It was perfect!

And boy did we eat...here are some samplings...

Saturday's breakfast

Sunday's breakfast

Can't get enough of this little guy

Night time came and decorations came out

Candles were lit

Martha found the huge vintage canning jar and turned it into a candle holder with candles with my signature color.

Songs were sung .... cake devoured.

Sophie made the deelish cupcakes and Martha made the flags (both on the cakes and hanging from the house.

And we all celebrated the fact that I made it another year. A most memorable birthday celebration indeed. Hoping this can become an annual event where I can spend my b-day with my fam up in the beautiful Sierras.